"Hey there!" Paula exclaimed with her arms outstretched. She gave Billie a big hug and sat her down in a booth. It was the first time Billie had been back into town for almost a month.
"Hey Paula." Billie said with a smile.
"You look fabulous! How are you feeling?" She asked, putting her hands over Billie's. Paula's familiar scent of Patchouli and Camel Blues along with her wild hair and glasses with a chain made out of rocks made her appear like some kind of caricature out of a movie. One where Paula was the kooky friend but always the safe space, always the one to trust.
"I missed you so much." Billie said.
"Well, you're back now. The job has been waiting for you. And the house, too." Paula said as she stood up.
"Paula, I need to talk to you about that." Billie said quietly. Paula sat back down and looked at her over the top of her glasses.
"Everything ok?" Paula asked.
"Yes. Yes it is. Um, actually, I won't be moving back to the house. You have no idea how much I appreciate all that you've done for me. You were my guardian Angel at a time when I needed one the most." Billie began.
"Are you leaving town?" Paula asked, seriously.
"Sort of?" Billie said with a slight smile.
"Oh my god. Are moving in with the big money man?" Paula whispered excitedly.
"I am. I don't know if it's a good idea or not but he asked. And I feel safer there. I still want to work here a couple of days a week if that's ok. I don't want to quit my job. I need to have things that are mine still. And he's going to help me get my inheritance from my father's trust. I'm giving you this until I can pay him back." She said, sliding an envelope over to Paula. She opened it and gasped.
"What the hell is this?" Paula exclaimed.
"I want to buy the house, for you. So you can keep it for yourself. It means a lot to you because it was your father's house. I don't want you to have to sell it. And, that way, if it doesn't work out with my new 'living arrangement', it will be there for me as well." Billie said with a smile.
"Billie hun, this is 500 grand!? That house isn't worth that much!" Paula covered her mouth.
"It is to me." Billie said. "Take it. You deserve it and so much more."
"I can pay off my loan on this diner." Paula said, tears welling in her eyes.
"And take a trip to a nice day spa. Take care of yourself. Travel. Hire more help. Enjoy the life you've fought so hard for." Billie said. Paula pulled her into her arms arms and hugged her.
"When I lost my daughter all those years ago, I mourned the inability to see her grow into a woman, to have a lifelong friend. I thought I lost that gift for good. Until I met you." She said, wiping a tear from her face. "I will always be here for you, Billie."
Billie closed her eyes and hugged her back. "Me too." She said. "I never had a mom. Thank you."
After a few moments, Paula smiled and wiped her face.
"Well, enough of this blubbering. Free milkshakes til close!" Paula yelled out to the customers, holding up her arms. She got some applause and cheers. Billie smiled and walked outside where Ezra was waiting for her in the car.